With the 3rd overall pick, the Philadelphia 76ers select...or will they?

The Philadelphia 76ers have a very interesting draft coming up in about a month. With a ton of talented young players like VJ Edgecomb or Ace Bailey, it feels like a no-brainer to use these picks on young players to emphasize youth after doing the opposite last offseason. However, recently, reports have come out about Daryl Morey and the Sixers front office considering/listening to offers made by other teams about a possible trade. The players mentioned are Lauri Markkanen and Kevin Durant, who are fantastic players, but are on the downturn of their playing careers. Let's talk about all the pros and cons of what the Sixers should do with their third overall pick.

Long-Term Vision Over Short-Term Gains

Daryl Morey should refrain from trading the Sixers' 3rd pick for established players like Kevin Durant or Lauri Markkanen, as such a move could jeopardize the team's long-term success. The 3rd pick represents a significant opportunity to secure a young, talented player who can contribute to the team's future and potentially become a cornerstone for years to come. Trading away this asset for a player who may only provide a temporary boost could hinder the franchise's ability to build a sustainable contender. What also comes in trading this pick is trading away Paul George. I am not a huge Paul George fan, however, I won't deny that I feel as though last year we saw a laboring Paul George for most of the year, as he admitted on his own podcast about playing through injuries all season. You also cannot deny that an overall investment in to the youth would allow the Sixers to build on talent that aligns with their overall vision, fostering growth rather than relying on aging stars.

Lessons from Past Decisions

Morey’s attempt to go all-in on older players last year did not yield the desired results, highlighting the risks of relying on veteran talent without a solid foundation of youth. Last year, bringing in players like Caleb Martin, Eric Gordon, and Reggie Jackson was supposed to build on the Sixers' shortening window; however, all those players underperformed or got hurt. The acquisition of seasoned players often comes with diminishing returns, as injuries and age can impact performance and availability. The Sixers need to learn from this experience and prioritize building a balanced roster that includes both experienced leaders and promising young talent. By holding onto the 3rd pick, Morey can ensure that the team is not only competitive in the present but also positioned for success in the future, avoiding the pitfalls of short-sighted trades that may not pay off in the long run.

Who they should draft:

Draft wise, Ace Bailey is the young man whom I would prefer to pick at this spot. Ace stands out as an exceptional choice for the Philadelphia 76ers with the third overall pick in the NBA draft due to his impressive combination of size, skill, and versatility. At 6'8" and 210 pounds, Bailey possesses the athleticism and wingspan to excel on both ends of the court, averaging 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game in his last season with Rutgers University. His ability to shoot, with a 46% shooting percentage from the field, makes him a valuable asset in today's game. Additionally, his defensive prowess, reflected in his 1.3 blocks per game and 1.0 steals per game, aligns perfectly with the 76ers' need for a dynamic wing player who can contribute immediately while complementing their existing star players like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Also, Paul George, a few months ago, when asked about the most talented player in the draft, put Ace Bailey above Cooper Flagg. I believe that George sees a lot of himself in Bailey, so if the Sixers do decide to draft him, George could be key in developing the young 18-year-old.

VJ Edgecomb would also be a compelling fit for the Sixers due to his impressive skill set and versatility on the court. Standing at 6'5", Edgecomb showcases a well-rounded game, averaging 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game in his last season, according to ESPN.com. He also shoots 43.65% from the floor. However, while Edgecomb brings a lot to the table, his potential does not quite reach the same heights as Ace Bailey, who has been noted for his explosive athleticism and higher scoring averages, making him a more dynamic option for the team. Ultimately, while Edgecomb could contribute significantly to the Sixers, Ace Bailey's unique talent and upside may make him the more desirable choice in the upcoming draft.

If Daryl Morey ends up trading this pick for an expiring player, I believe that will end his time here in Philadelphia. The fans are not only sick of his decisions that seem to never work, but also sick of the empty promises he puts forth whenever he talks in press conferences. Drafting Bailey or Edgecomb would be the overall smartest move for the Sixers in the long run, while both players could also have huge impacts this upcoming season. Morey should hopefully sit tight instead of doing what he always does: too much.